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Tag: All Progressives Congress

  • PDP suffering from selective amnesia – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was suffering from selective amnesia, forgetting the 16 years it wrecked the Nigerian economy.

    In a statement made available to The Nation, Acting National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena said the PDP as a party is synonymous with impunity; institutionalized corruption and diversion of public funds.

    The party said that Nigerians have not forgotten how counter-insurgency votes were shared to political cronies and funding of political activities; illegal purchase of bullet-proof SUVs, limousines and private jet shindigs for ministers at public expense; non-remittance of $20 billion oil revenue; among other atrocities too numerous to mention, adding that such a party cannot be in a position to debate on good governance

    Nabena who was reacting to a statement by the PDP challenging President Buhari to a public debate on good governance said “The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement issued on Sunday ‘challenged’ the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to a debate on good governance. Incredible.

    “We view this request by the PDP as another laughable example of the PDP’s selective amnesia on the 16 years of locust it wrecked on Nigeria during its defunct rule.

    Read Also: ‘Defection will not affect APC’

    “Perhaps the PDP needs to be reminded of the reason why Nigerians voted it out unanimously in 2015 to give way to a progressive administration which is rebuilding the country in all facets from the foundation.

    “A Party synonymous with impunity; institutionalized corruption; diversion of counter-insurgency votes to political cronies and funding of political activities; illegal purchase of bullet-proof SUVs, limousines and private jet shindigs for ministers at public expense; non-remittance of $20 billion oil revenue; among other atrocities too numerous to mention, cannot be in a position to debate on good governance

    “A Party whose administration placed the economy on life support through its voodoo economics and fiscal recklessness cannot be in a position to debate on good governance.

    “The PDP in its desperation to position itself as the 2019 general election approaches cannot hoodwink Nigerians on who they truly are.”

     

     

  • Lawmaker gets nod for second term

    The lawmaker representing Esan South East local government in the Edo State House of Assembly, Honourable Festus Edughele, has gotten endorsement of party leaders to contest for a second term.

    Hon Edughele got the endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders after a meeting held at Ubiaja, headquarters of the locality.

    Those who spoke at the meeting pass a vote of confidence on Edughele and described his representation at the Assembly as very effective.

    They pledged their support in his bid to return to the Edo State House of Assembly come 2019.

    Read Also: 2019: Lawmaker urges youth to shun violence

    Elder Felix Osiabuku who spoke on behalf of the leaders said they were ready to work for his victory at the polls.

    He called on other aspirants to step down for Hon. Edughele because of the bigger gains for Ubiaja in the near future.

    Edughele who thanked them for the show of solidarity promised not of disappoint them.

     

  • PDP needs strong candidate to defeat Buhari, says Makarfi

    Promises restructuring, jobs for youth

    People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Senator Ahmed Makafi, has said the umbrella party must field a very strong candidate to stand any chance of defeating President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 poll.

    Makarfi said Buhari, who is expected to be the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, still commands a strong followership in the North which has highest number of voters.

    The presidential hopeful stressed that the PDP must work on the psychology of voters in the northern part of the country many of whom he said are “still retain blind followership for Buhari.”

    Makarfi spoke Friday evening when he visited Ekiti PDP delegates led by Deputy Governor, Prof Kolapo Olusola, at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, in continuation of consultations on his presidential ambition ahead of the party’s national convention.

    He contended that he is eminently qualified for the Office of the President having served as Governor of Kaduna State for eight years, Senator for another eight years where he chaired the Committee on Finance and PDP National Caretaker Chairman.

    The former Kaduna governor promised to tackle insurgency, herdsmen killings, insecurity, unemployment, epileptic power supply, infrastructural challenges and other problems confronting the polity.

    Read Also: How PDP will win in 2019 – Makarfi

    Makarfi said the sectarian problems and security challenges facing the country and confronted Kaduna State during his tenure but he was able to overcome them with tact, consensus buildeand deployment of resources.

    He said the PDP must win very well in the North to make any headway in the presidential election adding that the party must present the candidate the people of the region repose trust in.

    Makarfi said: “If we want to the election, we must not lose the North and we should give them the candidate they trust in the North.

    “The problem for us winning is the North; the current President comes from there and there is blind followership there. If we want to win, we should field a strong candidate from there.

    “We must work on the psychology of the Buhari’s sentimental followers in the North and change their mind towards us.”

    Speaking further on his manifesto, Markafi said: “First of all is the restructure of the country to make it good for everybody, restructuring of the security and creation of jobs and infrastructure development in all respects and promoting the private sector so that it can become effective employer of labour.

    “We have also look at some issues protocol that we have which have negative impact in the country. Any issue of protocol that doesn’t serve national interest in terms of security we will dialogue with other country where they have got it right and restructure ours

    “I have been tested and proven myself as governor of Kaduna State as selected Chairman of Senate Committee Finance, my records are there and as party chairman of PDP when people are not given the chance to make the party to survive.

    “I was able to bring everybody together and ensure that the party survived and that is why many more people are defecting to PDP and they are all welcome.

    “I am straight forward person and do not say one thing in the morning and turn it another thing in the evening.

    “When I was in the Senate, we ensured transparency on the part of the Federal Government on the allocation of federation accounts which now made all state governors to ask for accounts of the federation from which they have their share.

    “We brought back PDP and made it now a threat to APC. I restructured Kaduna, and Nigeria needs restructuring. I am not talking politics.

    “I was the architect of the first political sovereign conference in the country as head of the committee under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    “Institutional restructuring  that would include the police, INEC and other security apparatus to ensure they do not serve the dictates of the paymasters will be done by me.

    “We must make our institutions to be accountable. We will ensure comprehensive restructuring of this country. I chose to travel by road for all my campaigns traveling by road is taking eighty percent of my tour.

    “This is to enable me see the deficiencies of our infrastructure, such as roads, condition of our people and our environment among others.

    “We will also restructure power generation, what is on ground now is unitary. We must liberalize it. Each state will be allowed to generate its own electricity.”

     

  • Pray for Amosun not to renege on promise to Ogun West – Kuyebi

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Engr Temitope Kuyebi, has called on the people of Yewa-Awori(Ogun West) to keep praying for Governor Ibikunle Amosun not to renege on his promise to work for the realization of the zone’s dream of producing the next governor of Ogun state in 2019.

    Kuyebi, the youngest among the zone’s governorship aspirants, said the “2019 Ogun West for Governorship Agenda” can’t be achieved without interceding on behalf of Amosun so that he does  not falter in his avowed resolve to hand over the baton of power to Ogun West person in May 2019

    The aspirant who hails from Imasai in Yewa North, made the call on Saturday while addressing a crowd of APC members, supporters and youth leaders at Asade Agunloye Pavilion, Empire  building, Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun state.

    He noted that the zoning of the governorship ticket of APC to Ogun West was a good omen but warned that the golden opportunity zoning presented to the area, must not be allowed to elude them this time.

    He said the incumbent Governor is very critical to the actualization of the governorship project of Ogun West hence the need to keep interceding for him lest 2019 becomes a mirage again to Ogun West.

    Read Also: Woman dies in Ogun shrine, police arrest priest, father

    “Without Governor Ibikunle Amosun in this project, the dream of a Yewa candidate mounting the saddle of the governorship leadership of Ogun state, come 2019 may become a mirage.

    “The leadership of our great party (APC) in Ogun State has zoned the governorship ticket to Ogun West which translates to our prayers being answered. So, we must not toy with this opportunity.

    “Our gathering here today is to raise ambassadors and partners for this great opportunity coming ahead of us in Ogun West. Teamwork had always been one of the core values in life, because togetherness we can make it and achieve much, but not alone.

    “Secondly, we are gathered here to interact and brainstorm on how to uphold and support my aspiration to be the next governor of Ogun State come 2019.

    “I am not new in this governorship project. I had once taken a shot at the number one plum job in the state in 2011 and that was on the platform of the Action Congress (AC). I was the consensus governorship candidate and endorsed to fly the AC ticket but in a meeting in Lagos, party leaders asked me to step down,” Kuyebi said.

    However, guest speaker at the occasion, Mr Bayo Idowu, appealed to the sons and daughters of Ogun West to bury their differences and support the Yewa-Awori governorship agenda.

    “This is the right time for us in Ogun West. Let us throw our weight behind Engineer Temitope Kuyebi to be the governor of this state come 2019,” he said.

  • APC Presidential candidate may emerge September 19

    Party accuses INEC of leaking official correspondences

    Barely any last minute changes, the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be known on 19th September after the presidential primary to elect the candidate either through direct or indirect primary.

    But the APC is accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission of leaking it’s official correspondence to the media, pointing out that the dates on the letter to INEC were not tentative as they will have to be approved by the party NEC first.

    In a letter to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission dated 17th August and received at the commission on the same day, National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole informed the commission that the governorship primaries of the party will be conducted on Monday, 24th September.

    Similarly, the primaries to elect candidates for the House of Representatives will hold September 19, while the primaries for the Senatorial and state Assembly will hold on the 20th and 29th September respectively.

    Oshiomhole said “this serves as a forma, notification pursuant to the provisions of section 85 of the Electoral Acts 2010 as amended.Kindly arrange for your officials to monitor the exercise accordingly”.

    Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena said in a statement that INEC should look into its internal handling of official correspondence and out a stop to the leakages.

    Read Also: APC disowns timetable for primaries

    Nabena said the National Executive Committee of the party need to approve the time table for it became authentic and asked Nigerians and the Media to wait for an official announcement from the party as the leaked dates are subject to changes if necessary.

    Nabena said “our attention has been drawn to a leaked letter the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole wrote to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu informing the Commission of the schedule of the Congresses and Primaries to elect Party candidates for the 2019 General Elections.

    “These leaks of our sensitive and confidential correspondence to INEC is becoming commonplace and totally unacceptable. We strongly request that INEC looks into its internal handling of official correspondence and put a stop to these leaks.

    “While the leaked formal notification to INEC has been done by the APC pursuant to the provisions of Section 85 of the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended), we advise the general public particularly the media to wait for an official announcement from the Party as the leaked dates are subject to changes, if necessary.”

    It was learnt that the party is planning to hold its NEC meeting on Wednesday, 29th August to approve the party Programme for the 2019 general elections, including whether to use direct or indirect primaries for the selection of it’s candidates as well as fresh membership registration.

     

  • APC accuses INEC of leaking its official correspondences

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of leaking its official correspondences to the public and asked the commission to look into its internal mechanism for handling sensitive meals.

    The Party is not happy with the commission for leaking its letter notifying it of its proposed dates for party primaries in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

    A time table for the primaries was published in a national daily, forcing the party to issue a denial, but a letter signed by the National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole addressed to the INEC Chairman and received in August 17 by the commission surfaced media.

    Reacting to the development, Acting National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena said the National Executive Committee of the party need to approve the time table for it became authentic.

    Read Also: 2019: Group asks NASS to pass INEC budget

    Nabena said “our attention has been drawn to a leaked letter the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole wrote to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu informing the Commission of the schedule of the Congresses and Primaries to elect Party candidates for the 2019 General Elections.

    “These leaks of our sensitive and confidential correspondence to INEC is becoming commonplace and totally unacceptable. We strongly request that INEC looks into its internal handling of official correspondence and put a stop to these leaks.

    “While the leaked formal notification to INEC has been done by the APC pursuant to the provisions of Section 85 of the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended), we advise the general public particularly the media to wait for an official announcement from the Party as the leaked dates are subject to changes, if necessary.”

  • Be wary of desperate politicians without second address – Nnamani

    Foreign business group to invest in oil, gas, power

    The former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani on Thursday warned Nigerians to beware of desperate politicians without any second address.

    He spoke with State House correspondents after himself and Chairman of the Chrome Oil and Gas, Chief Emeka Offor, led foreign businessmen to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s office.

    Nnamani, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also advised struggling politicians to have a second address.

    To politicians who do not have any other business apart from politics, he said, “I think our problem is that if you enter politics and you have no second address; the chances of your getting in trouble is very high.

    “I am here strictly on business, they are talking about billions of dollars investment in Nigeria and that tells the confidence his company has in our country.

    “I am not just a politician; I was in business before entering politics, so I have a second address and my suggestion to Nigerians who are struggling in politics is to make sure you have a second address; don’t be a desperate politician; desperate politicians do desperate things and we can see the examples.” he said.

    Read Also: Nnamani and Enugu APC

    According to him, he was part of the meeting to observe how the Federal Government would receive the investment proposal, adding that the government was receptive.

    “I am here just to observe how receptive the government is to this; the government is quite receptive according to the vice president; because they have made other investments in Nigeria and they are continuing to do so.” he stated

    The Chairman of Chrome Oil and Gas, Chief Emeka Offor, said that he brought foreign investors from Europe to meet with the Vice President on the investment opportunities in oil, gas, power and electricity.

    He said, “We brought a major investing group from Europe; that’s why we are here; we are looking into investing in oil and gas, electricity power and others.

    “They have seen that the atmosphere in the country is conducive for investments; we are exploring the particular investment region we are going to invest.”

    He said that they were partnering with ELAND Oil and Gas from the United Kingdom and that the investment will be all encompassing and in billions.

    The President of Integra Capita, Argentina, Dr. Jose Luis Manzanita, expressed delight on the investment climate in Nigeria which he said was very conducive.

    He said, “We are very happy being in Nigeria; we like the business atmosphere; there is credibility; we believe Nigeria has material industry but can produce much; we have already invested in Nigeria and we plan to do more.

    “We work close to ELAN, ELAN has been very successful; and we support them and we keep investing with them.

    “The Vice President was so warm and he transmits the trust that the government has in private investment.” he stated

  • 2019: APC disowns publicised timetable for primaries

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that it has not released the timetable for State, National Assembly, Governorship and Presidential primaries, as it is being reported in a section of the media.

    Mr Yekini Nabena, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja while reacting to the development

    Read Also: Support swells for APC in Abia

    “The party is yet to announce its official timetable for the listed primaries,” the APC spokesman said.

    He described the timetable circulating in the social media and published in a particular newspaper as fake, saying that it should be disregarded by the general public.

     

    NAN

  • Akpabio, police disagree on gunmen attack at Essien Udim

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Leader in Akwa Ibom, Senator Godswill Akpabio and police authorities have disagreed on their account of Tuesday night attack by gunmen in Ukana, Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom state.

    While Senator Akpabio claims his residence was invaded by gunmen numbering 10 while he was having a political meeting with his supporters, the police on the other hand said the hoodlums only attacked a petrol filling station close to the former governor’s residence.

    Akpabio’s media aide, Mr. Anietie Ekong in a release issued to our correspondent  in Uyo via Whatsapp said, “Attempts by unknown gunmen to attack the Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area residence of the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Senator Godswill Akpabio have been repelled by gallant policemen attached to the former Senate Minority Leader”.

    Ekong said the Senator was holding political meetings on Tuesday night at his country home when unknown gunmen numbering about 10 stormed his residence and shot sporadically causing stampede.

    According to him, the incident brought the meeting into a temporary halt as those present in the meeting scampered for safety while the shooting continued unabated.

    He said a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr Udom Ekpoudom who was also present at the political meeting at the time of the incident had made frantic calls for security beef up to help repel the attack.

    Speaking further Ekong said the security men attached to the Akpabio’s residence after recovering from the initial shock reportedly responded gallantly with superior fire power which forced a retreat from the invading attackers.

    However the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyemi Ogunyemilusi, has denied allegation that suspected gunmen attacked former governor Godswill Akpabio’s residence, disrupting a high profile political meeting held there Tuesday night.

    Read Also: Akpabio, Okon disagree on Emmanuel

    The marathon meeting, according to the CP, lasted till the early hours of Wednesday, August 22, amid tight security following gun scare about 200 metres to Senator Akpabio’s residence in his hometown, Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area.

    Although there was exchange of gunshots from security officials at the meeting, the CP explained that “six hoodlums on two motorcycles invaded a feeling station near Akpabio’s house and robbed the pump attendants of the day’s sales and customers”.

    “It was just a mere coincidence that the incident happened at about 7:30PM, on Tuesday, August 21, when the meeting was ongoing at His Excellency’s residence.

    “Immediately the hoodlums attacked the filling station, somebody at the meeting called me. The Area Commander and other policemen were drafted to the scene and within minutes, security was restored.

    “You know how Ikot Ekpene is with these hoodlums on motorcycles. So it just a flash incident of petty thieves robbing a filling station near the residence of His Excellency.

    “Even our quick response was applauded by His Excellency when he came out of the meeting to see our men heavily on guard around the area, so nobody should overheat the polity because of politics”, the CP warned.

     

  • Esan youths attack Obaseki convoy

    Some youths of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo Central senatorial district under the auspices of Esan Youth Movement have attacked the convoy of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    The youths pelted the convoy with sachet water because of Governor Obaseki insistence that he was in the area to meet with party leaders and not the youths.

    Governor Obaseki was at Irrua, headquarters of Esan Central to meet with Edo Central party leaders as part of his consultations ahead of the party primaries.

    Some party sources said Governor Obaseki is rooting for consensus candidates to emerge while others are insisting on direct primaries.

    It was gathered that before the attack, the youths were chanting songs of abandonment, marginalization and no go imposition of candidate.

    The angst of the Edo Central APC leaders was alleged plot to impose the current Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr John Inegbedion, as the senatorial candidate of the party in the area.

    They were said to have condemned the plot and insisted that nobody would impose candidate on them.

    A former Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr. Ken Ihensekhen, said they were surprised that the governor abandoned all those who made him governor.

    “Tell me what you will say you have done in Esan land that we will use to campaign?”

    Read Also: We will not share Edo people’s money – Obaseki

    Chief Francis Inegbeneki who denied that he imported the youths to boo Governor Obaseki said the issue was the alleged endorsement of Inegbedion as senatorial candidate by Obaseki.

    According to him, “Those that were shouting outside the meeting wore t-shirts with Esan Youth Movement inscribed on them. They were not brought by me even though I am a former National President of the movement.

    “They were saying no to imposition. They said they don’t want any candidate imposed on them.

    “Before we came out we heard some people booing him. The meeting ended successfully. We got information that the SSG invited the five council chairmen where he charged them to deliver John Inegbedion as the Senatorial candidate.

    “But the Governor denied the allegation. He assured us that Esan people will decide who will represent them. We are happy with the good intention of Governor Obaseki.”

    Another source said trouble started when the youths met with the governor and pleaded to have audience with him but the governor declined saying his plans was to meet the leaders.